No more ‘activities’… you’re at KU to study only

In a move to improve security within its premises, after a lecturer was manhandled by some students last Thursday, the University of Karachi (KU) management is mulling over banning all types of student gatherings inside the varsity campus and not even three students would be allowed to move inside the campus without being warned or punished if caught for the second time, according to sources privy to the development.
This was discussed during a meeting held among the KU security officials and Pakistan Rangers personnel, deputed at the varsity. The meeting was presided over by KU Vice Chancellor Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui and also attended by Rangers Bhittai Wing Commander Col Ahtesham.
After the meeting, the number of Rangers personnel inside the campus has been increased and routine patrolling also enhanced.
Insiders told Pakistan Today that some KU high-ups at the meeting were of the view that a ban should be imposed over every type of students’ gathering inside the campus and activity points abolished to discourage opportunists from disrupting peace.
“Under the plan, more than two students would not be allowed to move inside the campus while the Rangers personnel would be allowed snap-checking of students. The students moving in groups would be first warned but if they do the same they would be punished,” they added.
Already the KU administration has handed over its security affairs to the paramilitary force and given them the charge of all entry and exit points of the campus. The entry of students’ vehicles inside the varsity has also been banned; whereas, the university management has announced establishment of parking lots at the entrance gates. To facilitate the students, it was decided to revamp the KU transport department and run shuttle service to drop students at their departments.
The varsity administration has cancelled all the vehicle entrance passes issued to students and teachers and decided to issue new computerised passes for staff but no passes for students except the disabled.
Students’ organisations would not be allowed to hold any programmes or events inside the campus but they may continue their activities outside – like it is done at the NED University of Engineering and Technology.
Confirming the information, KU Pro-Vice Chancellor Nasiruddin Khan said the university administration is seriously thinking over banning student gatherings inside the campus. “The students come to [university] for studying not politicking.”
He added that the varsity is also reviewing some more steps to ensure safety of both – students and teachers – inside the campus. “Vehicles of students would not be allowed inside the campus and Rangers have been authorised to ask for students’ identity cards.”
Khan said that students without cards would not be allowed to enter the university.
“The [KU] management has also decided to establish parking areas for students and visitors vehicles and in the first phase, four parking lots – three for students and one for visitors – would be established,” he said.
The move to restrict movement of students in groups is apparently expected to cause unnecessary inconvenience for a large number of students, who prefer to walk in groups over large distances between different departments to attend their classes and also spend time together at the canteens during their free time.